Croquetas de Jamon

Croquetas de Jamon Recipe from Cuba with Butter, Flour, Milk, Ham and Spices

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Croquetas de Jamon, or ham croquettes, are a popular Spanish dish made with a creamy ham filling that is breaded and fried until crispy. These delicious bites are perfect as an appetizer or snack.

History

Croquetas de Jamon have been a staple in Spanish cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in France, where it was known as croquettes. The recipe made its way to Spain and quickly became a favorite among locals. Today, Croquetas de Jamon can be found in tapas bars and restaurants throughout Spain.

Ingredients

0.25 lb (113 g) (1 stick) salted butter
7 tsp all-purpose flour
2 cup milk, scalded
2 cup finely chopped cooked ham
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.5 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
3 tsp fresh lime juice, plus extra for sprinkling
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cup very fine bread crumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
peanut or vegetable oil for frying

How to prepare

In a saucepan, heat the butter until it starts to foam. Add the flour and gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. Be careful not to overcook it and avoid forming lumps.
Add the ham, salt, pepper, nutmeg, lime juice, and parsley to the mixture. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Spoon the mixture into a pan or platter and let it cool completely. Once cooled, it can be refrigerated.
Sprinkle a light layer of bread crumbs on a work surface.
Take 1 tbsp of the cooled ham mixture and shape it into a cylinder about 1.5 inches long and 0.75 inches in diameter.
Dip the cylinder in the beaten egg and then coat it with the bread crumbs. Repeat this step with the remaining mixture, adding more crumbs as needed.
At this point, the recipe can be prepared one day in advance and refrigerated overnight.
Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C).
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat 2 to 5 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of the mixture into it. It should sizzle.
Fry 5 to 6 croquettes at a time until they turn golden on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to turn them.
Avoid frying too many croquettes at once as it may cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in a less crispy texture.
Once cooked, drain the croquettes on a platter lined with paper towels.
Keep the croquettes warm in the oven while frying the remaining batches. Serve them sprinkled with fresh lime juice.

Variations

Substitute the ham with chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for a different flavor.
Add cheese to the filling for a gooey and cheesy twist.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the croquettes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the flour and milk mixture until it thickens into a smooth paste to avoid lumps in the filling.

- Refrigerating the mixture before shaping the croquettes will make it easier to work with.

- Fry the croquettes in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain a crispy texture.

- Keep the croquettes warm in the oven while frying the remaining batches to serve them hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Croquetas de Jamon as an appetizer with a side of aioli or tomato sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fry the croquettes in hot oil to achieve a crispy exterior.

- Use a slotted spoon to turn the croquettes while frying to ensure they cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

- Substitute the ham with cooked bacon or prosciutto for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The ham mixture can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight before shaping and frying the croquettes.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Croquetas de Jamon on a platter garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Croquetas de Jamon pair well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Croquetas de Jamon contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Croquetas de Jamon contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Croquetas de Jamon contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Croquetas de Jamon contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Croquetas de Jamon are a good source of vitamin B12, iron, and phosphorus.

Alergens

Croquetas de Jamon contain dairy, gluten, and eggs.

Summary

Croquetas de Jamon are a delicious and indulgent treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content.

Summary

Croquetas de Jamon are a delicious and savory Spanish dish that is perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack. With a creamy ham filling and a crispy exterior, these croquettes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of frying ham and the sound of sizzling oil. Maria smiled and beckoned me over to the stove, where she was carefully shaping and frying little golden nuggets of goodness.

"Ah, mi amiga! You have to try these croquetas de jamon," Maria said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "They are a family recipe, passed down from my abuela."

I eagerly accepted a croqueta from the plate Maria offered me, and took a bite. The crispy exterior gave way to a creamy, savory filling that melted in my mouth. It was love at first bite.

"Maria, these are amazing! Can you teach me how to make them?" I asked, my mouth still watering.

Maria laughed and nodded, gesturing for me to pull up a chair. And so, my journey to mastering the art of croquetas de jamon began.

Maria started by showing me how to make the bechamel sauce, a key component of the croquetas. She melted butter in a saucepan and added flour, stirring constantly until it formed a thick paste. Then, she slowly poured in milk, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. As the mixture simmered and thickened, Maria added grated cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, and of course, plenty of diced jamon.

"Remember, mi amiga, the key to a good croqueta is a creamy, flavorful filling. Don't be shy with the jamon!" Maria advised.

Once the bechamel sauce was ready, Maria poured it onto a baking sheet to cool and set. As we waited for it to firm up, she regaled me with stories of her abuela, a formidable cook who could whip up a feast from the most humble ingredients.

"My abuela used to say that cooking is an art, a way to show love and care for those you feed. That's why her recipes are so special to me," Maria explained, her eyes misting over with nostalgia.

When the bechamel had cooled and set, Maria showed me how to shape the croquetas. She scooped up spoonfuls of the mixture and rolled them into small, oval shapes, coating them in breadcrumbs before frying them to a golden crisp.

"Be gentle when shaping the croquetas, mi amiga. You want them to be firm but tender on the inside," Maria instructed.

As the croquetas sizzled in the oil, filling the kitchen with their tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. I was learning a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations, and soon I would be able to share it with my own loved ones.

Finally, the croquetas were ready. Maria plated them up with a side of tangy tomato sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, presenting them to me with a flourish.

"Try one, mi amiga. I think you'll find they taste just as good as mine," Maria said, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

I eagerly took a bite of the piping hot croqueta, savoring the creamy, cheesy filling and the salty bite of the jamon. It was perfection on a plate, a taste of tradition and love that warmed me to my core.

"Maria, these are incredible! Thank you for teaching me how to make them," I exclaimed, reaching out to hug my friend.

She smiled and hugged me back, her eyes shining with pride.

"Anytime, mi amiga. Cooking is a joy to share, especially with someone as eager to learn as you. Now, go forth and spread the joy of croquetas de jamon with your own loved ones," Maria said, her voice filled with warmth and wisdom.

And so, armed with Maria's recipe and her blessing, I set out to make my own mark in the world of cooking. With each batch of croquetas de jamon I made, I felt a connection to my friend, to her abuela, and to the countless generations of cooks who had passed down their recipes with love and care.

Cooking truly is an art, a way to show love and nourishment to those we hold dear. And with each bite of a perfectly crafted croqueta, I am reminded of the power of tradition, of friendship, and of the simple joy of sharing a meal with those we love.